The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Deemed to be University) formally launched its Ph.D. Programme on 1^st January 2026, marking a historic milestone in the Institution’s academic journey of 60 years. Scholars will be selected for admission to the Ph.D. Programme for the academic year 2025-26.

The online admission process for both Full-Time and Part-Time candidates, which began on 1^st January 2026, will remain open till 30^th January 2026. Candidates applying with UGC-NET eligibility will be directly called for a personal interaction, while the Part-time candidates without UGC-NET qualification will have to take an entrance exam to be held on 15^th February 2026. The list of selected candidates will be out on 23^rd February 2026, and interviews will begin from 9^th March 2026. The admission process will be completed by 27^th March 2026, and the Coursework will commence from 1^st April 2026.

Speaking at the launch of the Ph.D. admission portal, IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur said that the objective of the Ph.D. programme is to genuinely contribute towards the research for resurgent India. Dr Paliwal Gaur emphasized the need for aiming at research projects, which are out-of-the-box and help the society and nation at large.

Symbolising the beginning of the Ph.D. Programme at IIMC, the Vice Chancellor planted a sapling of ‘Kovidara’, as ‘Gyan Vriksh’ (Knowledge Tree), in the New Delhi campus.

The Ph.D. Programme at IIMC is envisaged to provide a rigorous academic environment, encourage interdisciplinary scholarship, and contribute to the evolving body of knowledge in journalism, communication, and allied areas.  The Programme is designed for scholars who wish to explore and contribute to the evolving field of media and communication studies. It offers research scholars the opportunity to conduct in-depth studies in journalism, mass communication, digital media, strategic communication, media industry management, film studies, political communication, development communication, advertising and public relations. The Programme encourages interdisciplinary research and aims to foster innovation, and scholarly excellence in media research.

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MSZ/ Vivek Vishwash